Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Graduate Programs have a lot to offer whether you prefer to research the law or work to enforce it. If you have the desire to serve your community, a Criminal Justice Graduate Program has several paths to choose from, including law enforcement, corrections, public administration, or legal fields. If you have more of an investigative mind, enjoy research, preparing legal documents and are seeking a career in law, Legal and Paralegal Studies includes programs that might suit you.

While Criminal Justice and Legal Studies represent two sides of the legal system, if you aspire to work in social justice, or want to potentially expand an existing career, Criminal Justice degrees are available as Masters, Doctorate and Graduate Certificate tracks. Learn more about this fascinating field!

What is Criminal Justice and Legal Studies?

A fairly broad academic field, criminal justice careers typically fall into three main categories: law enforcement, legal, and corrections. Graduate programs, which tend to be more specialized than bachelor degrees in criminal justice, provide you with the chance to concentrate your studies in the area that you feel connected to, or hope to gain credentials in. In fact, you may have an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and want to pursue the same path but at a more in-depth level. Sometimes a Criminal justice degree takes a student towards law school, but there are other ways to use these grad degrees, such as to enforce national security, prosecute offenders, assist victims of crime, or implement security measures to prevent crime.

FUN FACT:

Some private detectives and investigators may have worked for insurance or collections companies, as paralegals, in finance, or in accounting.[i]

Types of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Graduate Programs

If this sounds like a lot of different directions, it is, but that doesn’t mean they are all lumped together in one program. If you look at the GradSchools.com directory, some of the individual programs include:

What are you searching for: Criminology, Criminal Justice or Criminalistics?

Yes, crime is everywhere unfortunately. It is on the streets, lives as a global concern, and pervades cyberspace. If you are looking for a Criminal Justice & Legal Studies Graduate Program, you obviously want to choose a program that aligns with your goals, but there can be some confusion about the terminology, so here is a low-down:

Criminalistics is a specialized division of Forensic Science. A Criminalist does not chase down criminals so to speak, but they do look at the physical evidence from a crime scene, and may testify in court as an expert witness.

Criminology is defined as the study of crime, meaning it might include aspects of the behavioral sciences like sociology, psychology, law and anthropology.

Criminal Justice is really broad. It includes corrections, police officers, probation officers, paralegal or legal assistants, postsecondary teachers and basically any institution that upholds the law.

Paralegal or Legal Studies?

There is a difference between a law degree and a paralegal studies program.

Paralegal Studies includes legal research, legal writing, the legal applications of computers, and may include some law courses

Legal Studies: Most states require a lawyer to complete a juris doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school that is accredited with the ABA (American Bar Association). A J.D. program usually consists of classes in constitutional law, contracts, property law, civil procedure, and legal writing. Some lawyers work as Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators– they may have a law degree, and MBA or other advanced degree.

Choosing Your Criminal Justice & Legal Studies Graduate Program

Hopefully the previous tutorial set you up for success. If you choose your subject, it becomes easier to narrow things down. What’s Next?

Program Format: Campus or Online?

Are you looking for Criminal Justice Colleges so you can study on campus or are you thinking of an Online Program? Both formats have potential advantages depending on your needs. Distance-learning is often a good choice for the working professional since it allows for some flexibility in terms of pacing and scheduling your study time. On the other hand, attending graduate school gives you that hands-on and social learning environment. If you want to start searching, use the location settings to pull up campus programs in your subject and in the area (city, state or country) that you prefer. What’s next?

Types of Criminal Justice & Legal Studies Graduate Degrees

Within your area, you might find Masters in Criminal Justice, doctorate and graduate certificates. Selecting a program level, in addition to your subject refines your search.

Masters Degrees in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

If you have your undergraduate degree, Masters programs typically take an additional two-year commitment and they delve into more complex criminal justice topics. Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) programs offer concentrations in various areas like homeland security, forensic psychology, criminology, social work, justice administration, criminal justice, public policy, crime analysis, and paralegal studies.

If you are aiming for a law career, you might pursue Master of Law (LL.M.), Juris Doctor (J.D.), or Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) programs with various joint degree options in Criminal Justice at accredited law schools.

Some of the listings you might encounter on our site may include: Health Law, LLM, MS in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, Master of Public Administration: Criminal Justice Concentration, Master of Science in Cybersecuruty-Intelligence or Master of Science in Public Safety Administration. These are only a few, so continue looking into our selection of Masters Programs; you can request information from the school to get more info.

Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Doctorate Degree Programs

Doctoral degree programs in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies may appeal to the attorney who seeks expertise in a specific area, or the individual who is preparing for potential leadership roles. There are also programs that expand your understanding of the criminal mind and criminal behavior. Doctoral degrees are offered as PsyD, DBA and PhD tracks, depending on your interests.

Some of the listings to browse through might include: Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration-Homeland Security-Leadership and Policy, Doctor of Management-Homeland Security Executive Format. Health Law LLM, PhD in Social Works-Criminal Justice or Doctor of Psychology –Criminology and Justice Studies. Take a look inside a Doctorate in Criminal Justice & Legal Studies Programs.

Criminal Justice or Legal Studies Graduate Certificates

Graduate certificates are credentials boosters. They tend to teach the skills you might need in a specific area. Some may be post-master’s level, others may be post-bachelor’s. They are used to broaden your knowledge, and may serve as helpful preparation for some careers.

Take the Next Step

We have tried to give you a glimpse at the array of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Graduate Programs. There are equally many different jobs associated with these fields. Research the academic path that your chosen profession requires to make sure you factor it into your decision. Remember that the more specific you get, the more you are able to find the best criminal justice graduate school for your educational interests. Continued success as you take the next step!

Northcentral University

The criminal justice system is a vast, billion-dollar industry with many growing opportunities for those with higher degrees and leadership skills. In this MBA specialization you will focus on developing the advanced competencies and analytical capab...

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Forensic Psychology is a graduate-level examination of the psychological make-up of criminals, victims and other individuals as they interact with the judicial system.

White-collar crimes have a far-reaching social and economic impact. They’re also growing increasingly sophisticated, requiring law enforcement to continuously evolve through education and technology in order to keep pace.

American University

American University's Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security is an online, 33-credit degree for law enforcement and intelligence professionals who wish to specialize in homeland security.

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Whether you aspire to or currently work in a regulated field or within the legal framework or process, gaining advanced insights into the law could help you increase your effectiveness and career opportunities.* Legal knowledge is no longer solely in de...

Environmental disasters, terrorism, espionage, border transgressions—stories about threats like these make headlines every day. Purdue Global could help you pursue an important and challenging career protecting the security and safety of our country.* F...

Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for professionals interested in building their knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in criminal justice, which could better position them for advancement and lateral...

Loyola University Chicago

Designed for practicing lawyers seeking a broader understanding of human concerns in legal interventions, the MSW/JD Duel Degree program explores the social and psychological dynamics that impact at-risk populations. Several specializations are available.

Strengthen your practice in child welfare with the MSW/MJ in Child and Family Law Dual Degree program. This program is designed for professionals who do not wish to practice law but seek a deeper understanding of legal issues affecting those they serve.

As the worlds of business and law merge, it's increasingly crucial to have a firm understanding of both. Position yourself for success at the intersection of these dynamic markets with the Joint JD MBA program. Students earn both JD and MBA Law degrees.

Walden University

Are you prepared to influence and advance the future of business practice? Walden University’s ACBSP-accredited Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program examines some of the challenges and prospects that currently exist in the dynamic wo...

Stay at the forefront of this evolving field as you study the latest theories and explore today’s increasingly sophisticated criminal justice issues. Gain broad exposure to the field of criminal justice, including how law enforcement, courts, a...

Prepare to lead change in your organization and influence policymakers in your community.If you are a law enforcement or criminal justice professional, Walden University can help you gain the knowledge and experience to prepare for executive manageme...

Stay at the forefront of this evolving field as you study the latest theories and explore today’s increasingly sophisticated criminal justice issues. Gain broad exposure to the field of criminal justice, including how law enforcement, courts, a...

Whether you aspire to be a leader or a teacher in the criminal justice arena, Walden University’s Ph.D. in Criminal Justice online program can prepare you with the skills you need for career advancement.

Designed with law enforcement officials in mind, Anna Maria College’s Master of Public Administration with a Criminal Justice specialization balances the leadership and organizational aspects of public service with the specific needs of the justi...

University of New Haven

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven is offered entirely online through the renown Henry C. Lee College. Our online faculty are rated #1 in the country by U.S. News and World Report. No GRE is required to apply...

The first of its kind, the 100% online MS in Investigations program allows you to sharpen your investigative expertise in only one year while exploring a specialty in depth. Concentrate on Criminal Investigations, Financial Crimes or Digital Forensics.

Trinity Law School

Over the years, job seekers have earned MBA degrees as a way to fast-track their career advancement. The problem is that so many MBAs have been awarded that the market is saturated, making it harder for candidates to stand out.

Stockton University

The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Program at Stockton University provides a quality graduate program that promotes advanced inquiry and application of new knowledge and fosters advanced-level career opportunities. ...

Eastern Kentucky University

The Homeland Security Concentration is designed to meet the demands and challenges of the real world and its ever-changing threats to the security of the nation. The curriculum of the Homeland Security concentration focuses on current issues that affect...

Learn to approach safety from the aspect of managing loss potentials for educational service employees, students and school visitors. Focus on defining school safety and exploring the concept of safety as a leadership principle.

Colorado Technical University

Pursue a Master of Science in Criminal Justice-Homeland Security. CTU’s online Criminal Justice program has been ranked among the Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report for three years in a row.1 Learn more.

Colorado Technical University is proud to be one of just a handful of universities in the United States to offer a Master of Science degree in Homeland Security. The program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the homeland s...

Colorado Technical University is proud to be one of just a handful of universities in the United States to offer a Master of Science degree in Homeland Security. The School now also offers the program with a focused concentration in Emergency Managem...

Pursue a Master of Science in Criminal Justice-general concentration. Colorado Technical University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice programs were ranked among the Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report. Classes st...

Colorado Technical University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree program is designed for professionals seeking new opportunities in law enforcement, corrections and the court systems.

Colorado Technical University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree program is designed for professionals seeking new opportunities in law enforcement, corrections and the court systems.

Colorado State University-Global Campus

Grand Canyon University

The Master of Science in Leadership with an Emphasis in Homeland Security and Emergency Management degree focuses on the role of leadership and the immediate application of ethical and practical leadership skills.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement is designed for students seeking to expand their understanding of the law, social order and justice. This program is particularly suited for law enforcement personnel who wish...

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a Legal Studies emphasis is designed for students seeking to expand their understanding of the law, social order and justice. This program also prepares students for work in legal foundations where in-depth...

Nova Southeastern University

Criminal Justice, M.S.

Upcoming Start Date: January 07, 2019

The M.S. in Criminal Justice trains individuals through an interdisciplinary focus in an online environment. The program prepares students through the core curriculum and allows for specialty training through various concentrations...

The 36-credit M.S. in National Security Affairs and International Relations is designed to provide students with theoretical, research, and applied skills in the emerging academic field of national security affairs...

National security affairs is one of the fastest growing professions with positions open in the public sector in the federal, state and local governments and in the private sector. This program is designed for professionals in the...

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